1 Samuel 20:30-31

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - 1 Samuel 20:24-34

Jonathan is here effectually convinced of that which he was so loth to believe, that his father had an implacable enmity to David, and would certainly be the death of him if it were in his power; and he had like to have paid very dearly himself for the conviction. I. David is missed from the feast on the first day, but nothing is said of him. The king sat upon his seat, to feast upon the peace-offerings as at other times (1 Sam. 20:25), and yet had his heart as full of envy and malice against... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - 1 Samuel 20:30

Then Saul's anger was kindled against Jonathan ,.... For giving David leave to go, and for excusing him in this manner: and he said unto him, thou son of the perverse and rebellious woman ; most of the Jewish commentators supply it as we do, but the supplement of woman may as well be left out, and be read, "thou son of perverse rebellion" F6 בן נעות המרדות "fili perversae rebellionis", Pagninus, Montanus. ; thou perverse and rebellious wretch, perverse in thy temper, and... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - 1 Samuel 20:31

For as long as the son of Jesse liveth upon the ground, thou shalt not be established, nor thy kingdom ,.... He would not, though heir to the crown, be sure of it; it would be precarious to him, he would be in great danger of being deprived of it on the death of his father; and therefore it would be his highest wisdom to deliver David up to be slain, as it was his greatest folly to protect him, and provide for his satiety: wherefore now send and fetch him unto me ; send to Bethlehem for... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - 1 Samuel 20:30

Thou son of the perverse rebellious woman - This clause is variously translated and understood. The Hebrew might be translated, Son of an unjust rebellion; that is, "Thou art a rebel against thy own father." The Vulgate, Fili mulieris virum ultro rapientis ; "Son of the woman who, of her own accord, forces the man." The Septuagint is equally curious, Υἱε κορασιων αυτομολουντων ; "Son of the damsels who came of their own accord." Were these the meaning of the Hebrew, then the... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Samuel 20:24-34

Wasted influences, muffed thoughts, and conflicting interests. The facts are— 1 . While David lies hidden, Saul notices his absence from the feast on the first day, and refers it to some ceremonial defilement. 2 . On the second day he calls Jonathan's attention to the fact, and inquires the cause. 3 . On his explaining the reason, Saul, in a fit of anger, accuses him of friendship with David, and points out the injury which he thinks will arise therefrom. 4 . On Jonathan... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Samuel 20:30-31

Thou son of the perverse rebellious woman . Literally, "thou son of one perverse in rebellion." In the East it is the greatest possible insult to a man to call his mother names; but the word rendered perverse, instead of being a feminine adjective, is probably an abstract noun, and "son of perversity of rebellion" would mean one who was thoroughly perverse in his resistance to his father's will. Unto the confusion of thy mother's nakedness. I.e. thy mother will feel ashamed and... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - 1 Samuel 20:30

The greatest insult and most stinging reproach that can be cast upon an Oriental is to reproach his parents or ancestors (see Job 30:8). Saul means to intimate that Jonathan was stubborn from his mother’s womb. read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - 1 Samuel 20:29-30

1 Samuel 20:29-30. My brother, he hath commanded me to be there The eldest brother, it seems, was wont to let all the rest know that their company was expected. Thou son of the perverse, rebellious woman Or rather, according to the Hebrew, Thou son of perverse rebellion; that is, a very perverse rebel. Thou hast chosen the son of Jesse to thine own confusion Made him thy friend to thy utter undoing and disgrace. For men will conclude that thou hast no royal blood in thy veins, that... read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - 1 Samuel 20:31

1 Samuel 20:31. Thou shalt not be established, nor thy kingdom Though Samuel had long before this declared to Saul, in the name of the Lord, that the kingdom should not continue with him, nor descend to his posterity; yet he seems to have had hopes that he should be able to prevent this declaration from being verified by his policy and taking proper measures. read more

Donald C. Fleming

Bridgeway Bible Commentary - 1 Samuel 20:1-42

20:1-31:13 SAUL’S PURSUIT OF DAVIDJonathan helps David escape (20:1-42)Apparently Jonathan did not know of the number of attempts that his father had made to kill David (20:1-2). When he saw that David was genuinely fearful, he agreed to co-operate with David in finding out Saul’s real intentions once and for all (3-9).Jonathan’s love for David was genuine. Even though he knew that David, and not he, would be the next king, he showed no sign of jealousy. He asked only that David, on becoming... read more

Group of Brands